P-61 Black Widow of the "Great Raid" Query

[wingnutz]

Hi folks,

I've been trying to look for the specific markings for the P-61 Black Widow aircraft that was used in the "Great Raid" in liberating allied POWs in Cabanatuan, Phillipines, 30 June 1945.

References has given the following information;

1) It's a P-61A-10 N0 from the 547th Night Fighter Squadron, 5th Air Force based in Lingayen Airfield, Philippines;
2) Pilot> Capt Kenneth Schreiber, Radar Operator> 1st Lt Bonnie Rucks;
3) Serial number> 42-39390;
4) Moniker> "Hard to Get" painted in a Vargas styled nude artwork;

I would greatly appreciate it if anyone would have any photos, images or sketches of the appropriate nose art for " Hard to Get".

There's been all sorts of representations of P-61s in model kits and aftermarket decals, but nothing on this P-61 aircraft that flew this historical mission.

Much thanks....

 

[Tracker]

Found this link to a picture of P61 nose art.

http://flyingirls.awardspace.com/p61/13.jpg

 

[GrauGeist]

Something interesting about P-61A, serial number #42-39395:

Immediately postwar, P-61B-1NO serial number 42-39458 was operated by the Navy at the Patuxent River test facility in Maryland in a number of tests. P-61A-10NO serial number 42-39395 was subjected by the Navy to a series of test catapult launches to qualify the aircraft for shipboard launches, but the Black Widow was never flown from an aircraft carrier. These aircraft did not receive the naval designation F2T-1 but continued on as P-61.

Otherwise, there just doesn't seem to be much in the way of information out there about this aircraft, either text or photos...

 

[Capt. Vick]

Looked in an old issue of Wings magazine about the raid and no photos of that particular aircraft, sorry.

 

[wingnutz]

much thanks kind sirs...this definitely gives closure to this search...
hopefully, the decal makers would find time to include this in their product line...

 

[vikingBerserker]

A good person to ask this might be Bill (aka Night Fighter Nut) in case he has not seen this thread.

 

[wingnutz]

A feeble attempt to represent the nose art and aircraft colors/markings...

NOTE: Refer to amended artworks...

 

[Capt. Vick]

Not so feeble if you ask me.

 

[vikingBerserker]

I agree, that actually looks pretty sweet!

 

[wingnutz]

Erratum>

Serial number should read> 42-39390...

Updated livery artwork...

 

[beaupower32]

View attachment 268415 picture taken after the 28-2-45 mission, from left to right Col. Johnson, pilot Lt Ken Schreiber, R/O lt Bonnie Rucks and crew chief T/Sgt John Crough. Still looking for the R/H side, but will find it hopefully. I also found this, but dont know if it will help. Its for decals but might help somehow.

P-61B "Hard To Get No.
547th NFS Pacific Theater

References: Wings of Fame Vol. 15 photo pg. 69 photo
P-61 Black Widow In Action - Squadron # 1106 color pg. , photo pg.
Queen of the Midnight Skies Gary Pape Schiffer pg. photo

 

[Capt. Vick]

Was there nothing on the port side? Or was it...just...cut off in the picture?

 

[beaupower32]

This was the only picture I have found so far. I have looked, but to no avail. The names of the pilots are on the plane, so I think this can confirm that this is the plane in question.

 

[wingnutz]

Much thanks kind sir and much much appreciated...

Now at least we know that the nose art is definitely on the starboard side, the spinner color and crew and kill markings are confirmed as well.

As far as the type is concerned, referencing the registry of military US aircraft, 42-39390 is stated as a dash-A.

However, looking at the posted photo of the aircraft, the nose wheel reveals a mounted light, which would indicate that this aircraft is a dash-B.

Could someone kindly confirm if this is correct?

 

[beaupower32]

Your welcome...

 

[wingnutz]

Hi folks,

Latest information made available for this subject, courtesy of Mr James "Big Jim" Truman, the official Historian of the 547th Night Fighter Squadron. (Thanks Jim)...

From left to right, Crew Chief> T/Sgt John Crough, R/O> Lt Bonnie Rucks, Pilot> Lt Ken Schreiber and Col. Johnson.

From left to right Col. Johnson, Pilot> Lt Ken Schreiber, R/O> Lt Bonnie Rucks and Crew Chief> T/Sgt John Crough.

Amended "Vargas Girl" style nose art and monicker...

Amended starboard side artwork...

1) Amended nose art;
2) Amended nose length to an A variant;
3) Amended tail rudder marking;

A much needed closure to this search...

 

[Wurger]

 

[Night Fighter Nut]

Nice, just found this thread. Keep in mind that the props were not counter rotating. They rotated the same direction on each side.